oldies
Anything but Bland at Thunder Valley
Bobby “Blue” Bland – Click for more images
Bobby “Blue” Bland and his band performed to a stellar crowd Sunday in Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s Pano Hall.
The Blues Hall of Famer was greeted with a standing ovation as he was escorted center stage. Bland remained seated throughout his performance, but was quite interactive with band members as each would come up and play next to the legendary singer – with the exception of the drummer – duh!
The 82 year old Bland struggled on a few songs such as “Members Only,” as his vocals are not what they used to be. However, that did not take away from the audience’s undying love for the singer as after each song fans were on their feet cheering.
Awesome horn section – Click for more images
Bland’s unique ability to provide a sense of despair, along with his occasional phlegm clearing grunts were quite evident as he continued playing his multitude of songs.
The 7-piece band did a fantastic job with the horn section stealing the show (list of band members to follow).
While Bland struggled through some songs, the old Bland shined through on a number of songs, reminding everyone why Bland was and continues to be such a great blues performer.
Beach Boys Reunion Tour Comes to a Close
(LR) David Marks, Mike Love, and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys
Last year The Beach Boys announced a reunion tour that included the original surviving members Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine, plus longtime members Bruce Johnston and David Marks, along with Jeffrey Foskett.
When they kicked off their 50th anniversary tour in Tucson on April 24, they brought with them a set list of 42 songs. By the time they played at the Hollywood Bowl in June their set list grew to 46 songs.
Obviously they were saving their best for last because when they played their final concert at London’s Wembley Arena on September 27, the set list was a whopping 55 songs!
Prior to the final show Love announced that he planned on touring as The Beach Boys with Johnston, leaving out Wilson, Jardine, and Marks. While some have feigned shock over the announcement, it should come as no surprise, since Love had been touring with Johnston, and his son Christian under The Beach Boy name prior to their reunion tour.
Mike Love of The Beach Boys at Thunder Valley Casino in 2011
Brian Wilson, who stopped touring with the group in 1965, said at their September 18 Grammy appearance, “I wouldn’t mind getting together with Mike and the guys and recording an exciting rock ‘n’ roll album.” There’s no word on whether or not that will become a reality, but odds are that it won’t materialize.
Wilson told CNN in September, “I’m disappointed and can’t understand why he (Love) doesn’t want to tour with Al, David and me. We are out here having so much fun. After all, we are the real Beach Boys.”
For their reunion The Beach Boys released a new album which included “That’s Why God Made the Radio”, beating The Beatles’ record for duration on Billboard’s top 10 chart (the Fabs’ top 10 hits spanned 47 years, seven months and three weeks, versus the Beach Boys’ 49 years and one week).
So what did they play for their final set?
| Set 1 | Set 2 |
| Do It Again Little Honda Catch a Wave Hawaii Don’t Back Down Surfin’ Safari Surfer Girl Please Let Me Wonder This Whole World Wendy Getcha Back Then I Kissed Her You’re So Good to Me Kiss Me, Baby Isn’t It Time Come Go With Me Why Do Fools Fall in Love When I Grow Up (to Be a Man) Dance, Dance, Dance Darlin’ Disney Girls It’s OK Cotton Fields Be True to Your School Ballad of Ol’ Betsy Don’t Worry Baby Little Deuce Coupe 409 Shut Down I Get Around |
Pet Sounds Add Some Music To Your Day Sail On, Sailor Heroes and Villains I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times California Dreamin’ California Saga: California In My Room All This is That That’s Why God Made the Radio Summer’s Gone Forever God Only Knows Sloop John B Wouldn’t It Be Nice Good Vibrations California Girls All Summer Long Help Me, Rhonda Rock and Roll Music Do You Wanna Dance? Surfin’ U.S.A.Encore Kokomo Barbara Ann Fun, Fun, Fun |
The King of the Accordion
The King of the Accordion – Click for more images
Yes!! There is a king of the accordion and his name is Ramon Ayala.
Ayala, a four-time Grammy winner packed Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s summer amphitheater for the second year in a row on Friday night.
The 66 year old Ayala is a legend of norteño music and is one of the most recognized and best-selling artists of the genre.
Ayala played to norteño and tejano fans from both sides of the border, with fans singing along to every song. While I have no idea what the hell he was singing, I found it thoroughly entertaining as he worked his magic on the mostly older crowd.
Ayala arrived on stage with his trademark green, white and red accordion. The crowd erupted in cheers and several individuals made their way up to the stage to pay tribute to the man.
Ramon Ayala – Click for more images
Now as anyone who knows me will tell you, I am NOT a fan of the accordion, but I have to say when Ayala is playing its pretty spectacular to listen to.
Ayala was joined on stage by his band, known as Bravos del Norte. Band members were Mario Marichalar (bajo sexton and vocals), Fidencio Ayala (bass), Jose Luis Ayala (drums and vocals), David Laure (percussion) and Raul Rosales (emcee and percussion).
Lorenzo and Ayala
Ayala played a number of his hits including “Mi Piquito de Oro,” a Latin version of “Cotton Fields,” and “Un Puno de Tierra,” which had the entire audience on their feet.
Since I didn’t understand what was being said it was interesting watching the crowd’s reaction to, not only the music, but the dialog as emcee Rosales shouted out to the crowd. Apparently they were taking requests from audience members.
Midway through the performance Thunder Valley Casino gave away an autographed accordion signed the legendary performer. Audience member Lorenzo won the accordion and he was able to go onstage to collect his prize and meet the man himself.
Beach Boys Release New Single
David Marks, Mike Love, and Al Jardine
The founding members of The Beach Boys, one of the world’s most legendary bands in popular music history, have reunited for a global 50th Anniversary celebration, including a new album release, an international tour, and commemorative catalog releases. The Beach Boys announced details about their new studio album, That’s Why God Made The Radio, to be released June 5 by Capitol/EMI.
Beach Boys Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks recently completed their recording sessions at Los Angeles’ Ocean Way Studios for That’s Why God Made The Radio, the band’s 29th studio album (including 2011′s The SMiLE Sessions), the first in decades to feature all of the band’s surviving original members. Produced by Brian Wilson and executive produced by Mike Love, the album’s 11 new songs illustrate The Beach Boys’ unique and evocative West Coast story.
The album’s lead single, “That’s Why God Made The Radio,” showcases The Beach Boys’ soaring harmonies in an upbeat, beaming ode to music’s radio champions around the world. Listen to their latest song
“Radio was my whole education,” says Brian Wilson. “Chuck Berry, Rosemary Clooney, The Four Freshmen, Phil Spector, Little Richard … To hear ‘That’s Why God Made The Radio‘ on the radio would be a thrill beyond belief, it really would.”
Mike Love
“I got a lot of my appreciation for all of the creativity in the world, in terms of music, through the radio,” says Mike Love. “For all of us who grew up in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and beyond, the radio has played such a huge, important part in our lives. When we were kids, we’d sneak out of the house and go and sit in Brian’s car and listen to the local radio stations on his car radio.”
The album’s other new songs include “Think About The Days,” “Isn’t It Time,” “Spring Vacation,” “Private Life Of Bill And Sue,” “Shelter,” “Daybreak Over The Ocean,” “Beaches In Mind,” “Strange World,” “My Life Suite,” and “Summer’s Gone.”
The Beach Boys’ collaborative approach to writing and recording their new music is evidenced throughout the album, with all of the band members participating to create its glorious harmonies, lyrics, and arrangements.
“We’ve come full circle,” says Al Jardine. “Sharing our memories and ourpresent in the studio has been really remarkable. I can especially feel it when we’re all singing around the mic together, because we all hear each other and we really lock in.”
“We have reunited as a band, but we never ‘un-reunited’ as friends,” says Bruce Johnston. “To be back in the studio with these guys is like a prayer that’s been answered and I am thrilled to be sharing it with everybody.”
“This is more like a family reunion than anything,” says David Marks. “When we’re together, we get along great. The chemistry always works the same as the last time we were together, and the five of us become a single element.”
Girls Night Out at Power Balance Pavilion
Girls’ night out at Power Balance Pavilion
Local radio station V101.1 hosted the Freestyle Explosion at Power Balance Pavilion, with radio personality Dr. Don Sainte-Johnn as the emcee and Expose headlining. Giving Expose top billing was a brilliant idea, since they are credited for bringing the freestyle genre of music to the forefront back in the ’80s.
The Freestyle Explosion revisits the freestyle sound that was popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s, an underground mixture of Latin hip-hop, electronic supplementation and the occasional house grooves. Despite their brief stint in the spotlight, the artists who brought freestyle music to the masses have been immortalized on the club circuit, with a die-hard fan base throughout Europe and in most major cities in the United States.
Friday night was definitely girls’ night out, as hundreds of women packed into Power Balance Pavilion, with a few guys dragged along, to see Expose, Lisa Lisa, Shannon, Debbie Deb and Cynthia. And there was some eye-candy thrown in for the ladies, like Johnny O, and Nice & Wild.
David Torres - Click for more images
First up was David Torres, one of the three original members of Nice & Wild. He opened with “Diamond Girl,” gyrating across the stage, much to the delight of all the women. I’m not so sure the guys were happy with the opening, but, hey, they could have grown a pair and stayed home. I found his vocals flat, but he put on a good show.
Next up was Cynthia singing a medley of her hits, including “Change on Me” and “Gonna Get Over You.” She was less energetic than the others, but she made up for it with her stellar vocals.
Cynthia - Click for more images
Following Cynthia was Johnny O singing a medley of his hits, which included “Fantasy Girl.” He was joined by Cynthia, and together they performed a great rendition of “Dream Boy/Dream Girl.” Johnny O was very energetic, eliciting screams from all the women and a few men “” but I’m sure you’ll never hear them admit it.
Debbie Deb - Click for more images
Debbie Deb came out with three ladies from the audience. She only introduced them as her backup dancers, without mentioning anyone by name. She sang two of her hits, “Lookout Weekend” and “When I Hear Music.” She sounded great.
The Cover Girls, consisting of Evelyn Escalera, Lorrain Munoz and Sabrina Nieves, came out singing “Wishing on a Star” and a number of other hits, ending with “Inside Outside.” They did a great job and had some old-school choreography going, which I think is just classy.
Shannon - Click for more images
Shannon came out and sang several of her hits, closing with “When I Hear Music.” Prior to taking the stage, several enlisted soldiers were introduced to the crowd. Shannon and Debbie Deb had performed in Iraq, where she met Specialist Gonzalez, Sargent Gray and Specialist Bradford.
I spoke to Bradford prior to the show, as he was sipping his cocktail ““ compliments of Shannon. Hailing from the 49th Military Police Brigade, Bradford first met Shannon at Camp Liberty. He said Shannon committed to the troops during her visit in Iraq, and that they were welcome at any show, wherever she was playing. As she tours across the country, her tour manager has been keeping in touch via Facebook and phone, letting troops know her schedule and arranging VIP passes. All three soldiers wanted to be sure I mentioned how thankful they were to Shannon for giving them the opportunity.
Shannon danced with the soldiers during her performance. Having two left feet, as I do, Bradford struggled with his moves, but he gave it a valiant effort. Both Gonzalez and Gray were having a great time, getting down with Shannon.
Lisa Lisa - Click for more images
After a brief intermission, the concert really took off with Lisa Lisa jumping up on stage. She played a number of hits, including “Can You Feel the Beat,” “Lost in Emotion” and “Kiss Your Tears Away.” She had the audience up on their feet the entire set. She sounded great, while her two male dancers rocked the stage. She looked like she was having a great time, showing us her infectious smile. From my perspective, Lisa Lisa should have been headlining, but I get it.
Finally Expose arrived singing “Seasons Change.” They sounded good and had a well-choreographed routine going. They sang several hits,
Expose - Click for more images
ending with “Point of No Return.” While they did a fantastic job entertaining the crowd, I believe Lisa Lisa stole the show. By the time they were finished, many people had already started leaving. This may have been due to the concert going well past 11:30 p.m.
It was fun watching young and old enjoy a bit of old-school music. I didn’t mind either. Let’s face it “” there was a bit of eye-candy there for the guys, too.
KC and the Sun Shine on Thunder Valley
Click for more images
Singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Harry Wayne “K.C.” Casey brought disco back, for at least one night, as KC and the Sunshine Band took over Thunder Valley Casino and Resort Sunday night. Creating a theatrical display of dance moves that he created back in the 70′s along with four stunning young ladies, KC had the audience putting on their boogie shoes – all under one huge disco ball ““ did I mention the stunning young ladies?
But first, starting off the evening was the venerable Con Funk Shun, an R&B group made up of five frontmen and four band members. The band got their start out of Vallejo, Calif. back in the 70′s, churning out hits through the 80′s. They are responsible for a number of hits including “Chase Me,” ”Got To Be Enough” and “Electric Lady.”
The frontmen, comprised of Michael Cooper, Karl Fuller, Felton Pilate, Ron Mouton and Danny “Sweet Man” Thomas, came out
Click for more images
dressed in blue blazers and white pants. Immediately they jumped into a well-choreographed routine that had some audience members cheering. They looked classy performing in lockstep while holding their instruments.
That might not have come out right, but you get the idea.
It was obvious many of the audience members had not heard of Con Funk Shun, but they quickly became fans after the first couple of songs. With their six-part vocal harmonies, horns and more, they blasted out a whole lot of funk, some dance party grooves and a dash of romantic ballads, all to a very receptive audience.
Their set appeared to run long when the announcer jumped in.
“Let’s give it up one more time for Con Funk Shun.”
The band ignored the announcer and jumped into another song and played one more after that! It was obvious they were up there having a good time and didn’t want it to stop.
Click for more images
During intermission I had a chance to talk to three individuals who I will affectionately refer to as the three stooges. Sporting afros, fake moustaches, headbands and other accoutrements, these guys had a following of their own.
They would only give me their stage names of Stefan, Jethro and Samson. I asked Samson what gives with the outfits.
“We’re f**king fans, baby. It’s disco and that’s why we go man.”
Women were having their picture taken with them almost the entire concert. They were very entertaining. Now I know what I’m wearing to my next concert.
An instrumental introduction began and the crowd started cheering as, one at a time, each band member slowly took the stage, walked to the front, stopped for a beat or two, and then took their place on stage. This made for a very dramatic entrance. You could feel the tension build in the crowd as they anxiously waited for KC to make his way on stage.
Will he enter on the right, or the left?
People were looking back and forth trying to figure out where he would pop out.
Prior to KC arriving, the Sunshine Girls grooved to the beginning of “Shake Your Booty.” KC finally emerged (from the right) and went straight to the keyboard and started pounding away and doing what he does best ““ entertain.
A couple of verses into his first song, KC blasted from the keyboard, dancing with the ladies from one side of the stage to the other. As he started into his second song, “Boogie Shoes,” he sounded somewhat out of breath and was breaking out in quite a sweat.
At the end of his second song, KC acknowledge his weight gain and how much older he was. The catch phrase for the night was “What the hell happened?” in reference to how much time had elapsed since he started over 39 years ago.
He also tried to educate all the younger people in the audience as to who he was.
“For you young people, you’re probably wondering who I am. I was your mother’s *NSYNC.”
Going on, he warned them that this is what Justin Timberlake will look like in thirty years.
“I should change the name to KFC and The Sunshine Band,” said KC, referring to his weight.
He said he wanted to play a few slow songs next, but promised that the remainder of the show would remain upbeat. He went on to play a number of slow songs including, “Yes, I’m Ready,” “Let’s Just Kiss & Say Goodbye” and “Please Don’t Go,” before picking up the tempo with “I’m Your Boogie Man.”
At 60 years old, KC has been in the entertainment industry a long time and knows how to put on a great show. While his vocals are nowhere near what they used to be, he makes up for it by sheer energy, musicianship and by surrounding himself with some of the best talent in the industry ““ the lights aren’t bad either. Oh did I mention the stunning young ladies?
| KC and The Sunshine Band Set-list:Shake Your Booty Boogie Shoes Yes, I’m Ready Let’s Just Kiss & Say Goodbye Please Don’t Go I Hear a Symphony I’m Your Boogie Man Keep it Comin’ Love Same Old Song Give it Up Medley of Hits Give it To Me Funky Music That’s the Way I Like it Get Down Tonight |
Ramon Ayala at Thunder Valley Casino
Click for more images
The “King of the Accordion” and four-time Grammy winner Ramon Ayala played to norteño and tejano fans from both sides of the border, with most fans singing along to every song. A mostly older crowd jammed into Thunder Valley Casino and Resort to watch their old favorite perform. There were a few younger fans peppered throughout, enjoying the music just as much as their elders.
Ayala arrived on stage with his trademark green, white and red accordion. The crowd erupted in cheers and several individuals made their way up to the stage to pay tribute to the man.
Ayala was joined on stage by his band, known as Bravos del Norte. Band members were Mario Marichalar (bajo sexton and vocals), Fidencio Ayala (bass), Jose Luis Ayala (drums and vocals), David Laure (percussion) and Raul Rosales (emcee and percussion).
Ayala played a number of his hits including “Mi Piquito de Oro,” a Latin version of “Cotton Fields,” and “Un Puño de Tierra,” which had the entire audience on their feet.
I’m used to seeing Thunder Valley Casino’s outdoor stage packed with instruments, amps and gear of all shapes and sizes, but when I looked at the stage there was a set of drums, congas and some microphones. I thought for sure they hadn’t finished setting up. The band performs with a minimum amount of gear which consists of a set of drums, congas, two accordions, bajo sexto and a bass.
It was fun watching the crowd react to each and every song. You could see couples looking into each other’s eyes. I’m sure some were remembering when they first met, others their first kiss, all to the music they were listening to at the time. Some songs had people swaying in their seats, while others brought them to their feet. It was obvious they knew each and every song.
Ramon Ayala has been singing, composing and playing his accordion for over 45 years. He has recorded over 100 albums and has been featured in thirteen movies. He is considered a legend of norteño music and is one of the most recognized and bestselling artists of the genre.
The Tubes Flow into Thunder Valley
The Tubes - Click for more images
The Tubes, one of the most theatrical new wave rock bands of the 80′s, brought their sometimes offensive and oftentimes outrageous show to Thunder Valley Casino and Resort Friday. They are best known for their onstage presence and hits from the 80′s and 90′s including “She’s a Beauty”, “Talk to Ya Later”, and “The Monkey Time”.
An extravagant mix of theater, rock, and social criticism, The Tubes started out with an instrumental, La Dolce Vita Overture. Lead singer and front man, Fee Waybill jumped on stage and began singing, “Haloes” followed by a rant about the sad state of the economy and how Boehner was going to F*** the country some more. Almost every other word was f*** or B*** and used frequently throughout the show.
There were those that loved the show and others that seemed to want to bolt out of the room. However, Waybill’s stage presence kept everyone clued to their seats for most of the concert.
Waybill got off to a rocky start sounding off key, and I was ready to suggest he retire. However, his second song, “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” originally recorded by James Brown, left me wondering why he didn’t kick off the show with this song. He did a superb job with a nice raspy blues sound. I thought this was one of the better songs of the evening.
He lost some of the audience due to his crude language and outrageous outfits. I know last week I said Pat Monahan of Train was in competition with Lady Gaga due to multiple costume changes, but scratch that. Waybill changed multiple times in a makeshift dressing room off to the side of the stage, arriving back on stage in some normal and not so normal outfits (see photos).
At one point he showed up in a Roman-style costume with barely any coverage in the lower extremities ““ front or back. Sadly, the front row was in the worst position of all, when at the end of the song Waybill turned to face the band and bowed in thanks. Leaving the front row speechless, – or should I say sightless.
I thought Waybill was hit and miss for most of the concert, falling short on some songs and kicking it up a notch on others. I found his monologues mostly offensive due to his absurd views of women. He was also losing some of the audience, but that all quickly changed when he came out singing “White Punks On Dope” dressed as Quay Lewd, aptly named after the drug Quaalude.
As soon as Quay Lewd hit the stage, the crowd went wild, shouting back the chorus line, “white punks on dope,” and pointing back to Waybill. At this point, most people in the audience were on their feet, hands in the air, and moving to the beat.
“White Punks on Dope” has historically been their last song at concerts, so when the band left the stage, some audience members began filing out the door. Those who remained were treated to an encore that totally kicked the crowd into full gear.
Ending with “She’s a Beauty” and “Talk to Ya Later” , Waybill showed up in a costume reminiscent of a carnival hawker. The last two songs had the crowd gathered at the front of the stage dancing and shouting. At the end of the set, the entire band made their way to the front of the stage, where they shook people’s hands and thanked them for being there.
Just before the show I had the opportunity to ask Waybill what was the most outrageous thing he’d done in his career. He replied, “After 40 fucking years I’ve done a lot of crazy shit, it’s hard to come up with ““ oh that’s too hard of a question”, and walked away.
Bottom-line: It was one fucked up night and I couldn’t wait to get home to my bitches.
To my family: I’m writing this as a reflection of the concert. I don’t seriously believe that you are my bitches. However, I do strongly believe that my wife, is and proudly admits that she is, but I mean that in the most loving way. Shoot, I guess you could say I’m her bitch. Damn ““ did I just write that?
Song list for the night:
La Dolce Vita Overture
Haloes
It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World
Smoke (La Vie En Fumer)
What Do You Want From Life
La Dolce Vita Theme
Turn Me On
I Saw Her Standing There
Rumble
Telecide
Brighter Day
Pimp
Slipped My Disco
Tip Of My Tongue
Don’t Want To Wait Anymore
Boy Crazy
White Punks On Dope
She’s A Beauty
Talk to Ya Later
